The heavy hitters of Honolulu’s bar community were all in the lineup on Tuesday, when Bombay Sapphire and Better Brands Hawaii brought the state qualifier of Bombay’s “Nation’s Most Inspired Bartender Search” at Pearl Ultralounge. More than a dozen local bartenders were in the running for a trip to Las Vegas and entry into the national finals for a shot at $10,000.

Curtis Kamiya was born and raised in Honolulu, but his music only begins there. His songs are infused with the lives he has lived—in San Francisco, Seattle, a year around the world. Influenced by the contemporary Hawaiian style of Kalapana, Olomana, and Cecilio and Kapono, Curtis Kamiyas music is layers of time and place, life and love. Think James Taylor barefoot on the beach, singing disarmingly simple, soul-hitting lyrics like John Mayer. Think backyard barbeque, laughter, shenanigans, and Curtis at the center of it all, conducting an entire party with his music. Think acoustic folk pop with Hawaiian soul. Think home, and the music that sounds like home, wherever you are in the world.